Landslide in Ramban blocks Bichalri River, threatens villages

Jammu, Aug 30: A major landslide has blocked the Bichalri river in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, creating an immediate flood risk for downstream villages.

The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall on Thursday, occurred at Khuni Nallah and has caused a significant accumulation of water behind the debris dam.

​Officials are closely monitoring the situation as the risk of the dam bursting remains high. The small hamlet of Karalana, home to 20 families, is particularly vulnerable. A video of the landslide has been widely shared on social media, highlighting the severity of the situation.

​This latest incident adds to a series of natural disasters that have plagued the region since August 14.

In separate incidents, at least 11 people died from cloudbursts and landslides in Reasi and Ramban districts today.

So far, the recent calamities have resulted in 130 deaths and 140 injuries across the Jammu region, with 32 pilgrims still missing.

​The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has been suspended for five days following a landslide that killed 35 pilgrims on Tuesday last.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has ordered officials to maintain constant vigilance and carry out timely evacuations of people from high-risk areas.

​The record-breaking rainfall this week has caused widespread destruction, damaging hundreds of properties and washing away numerous roads and bridges. This has led to the suspension of traffic on major highways and has severely impacted rail services.